In the hours before dawn, Angel made preparations for the trip to Nevada, which consisted of making reservations at a hotel and packing the needed stakes and rations, while his girlfriend slept. Then around noon the next day, Buffy went out and did exactly what she promised she wouldn't, heading straight to Willow's house.
The timid Willow Rosenberg and the zany Xander Harris had been Buffy's closest friends ever since she moved to Sunnydale, so much that they had even nicknamed themselves the 'Slayerettes.' For as long as Buffy could remember, Xander had had the most enormous crush on her, at the same time that Willow was secretly in love with him. Buffy had thought this triangle would go on forever. Until three months back, when the most curious thing had happened.
Literally overnight, Xander had done a total turnaround, suddenly giving up his obsession with Buffy and focusing instead on Willow. It still perplexed the two girls (and even Xander himself) as to what had brought on this change, but they had long since given up trying to figure it out.
For now, Xander and Willow were just happy dating and hanging out with each other, which is what Buffy suspected they were doing right now. Upon reaching the front door of her girlfriend's house, Buffy rang the doorbell and waited for an answer. It was Willow who finally opened it, dressed in a pink bathrobe and looking flustered.
"I'm sorry," Buffy said upon seeing her friend's disheveled appearance. "Did I interrupt another kiss-fest?"
Willow blushed, running her fingers through her tangly auburn hair. "Let's just say you picked a rather inopportune time to come over," she said shyly, moving aside to let Buffy enter. "What did you want?"
Buffy, however, requested that Xander be present for this. Then, she filled her two friends in on the impending trip to Las Vegas, and Xander and Willow were all too eager to come along for the ride. Buffy soon left them to pack.
Unfortunately, Cordelia, who had left Buffy's house late last night, was nowhere to be found. Buffy assumed she was holed up somewhere with a new boyfriend of hers and gave up the search at that.
Sunset came around 8:30 at night, and Willow and Xander showed up shortly before this with their suitcases. Angel was slightly surprised to see them, but resigned himself to letting them come along rather than waste time raising an argument. The six of them were on their way within moments, either riding in Willow's or Buffy's cars, or on motorcycle.
It wasn't until they reached a rest stop that Buffy finally found time to have a private chat with Stefanie. The two of them sat on a short granite wall near a grove of trees, watching their friends wander around a moment.
Then, Buffy got straight to the point. "You love him, don't you?" she asked.
Stefanie looked down at her hands, which rested in her lap. "Yes," she admitted, glancing up at Buffy's worried expression. "And you don't have to say anything. I know it's wrong. In the end, I'm just going to lose him."
Buffy felt a pang in her heart. "I know what you must be feeling, Steffi. I've been there."
Stefanie felt a wave of anger at this. "How would you know what it's like?" she snapped. "You and Angel are together now! And at least you know he'll always be around! I don't even have that!"
Buffy paused, a tear escaping her right eye. "We didn't always have it that way, or that easy," she said quietly. She looked up, noticing that Stefanie was staring at her curiously. "Angel's still a vampire," she added. "The same characterisitics, the same instincts. Just because he has his soul back doesn't mean those things have diminished... It wasn't always easy for him to stay in control around me."
Stefanie's eyes widened. She couldn't really relate, having been able to ward off the demon possession that was present in others like her, Angel included. "Then how..."
Buffy gave a faint smile. "We're finding that the more often temptation is thrown at him, the easier it is for him to hold back... The point is, love hurts, no matter what form it comes in."
Stefanie nodded, looking around for Rhys. She saw him standing not too far away, the crow perched on his shoulder, and laughed when she saw he was feeding it pieces of bread. "How will I live without him?" she mused out loud, all too aware that it was a question that only she could answer...
After a long drive accompanied with frequent stops, the group of friends finally arrived at the hotel Angel had picked for them. It was a quaint building with an outdoor swimming pool and a gazebo in back. They checked in quickly, then went to their respective rooms, one double and two singles since Angel hadn't known Willow and Xander were coming. It took a while for the six of them to work out the sleeping arrangements, but Stefanie was left sharing the double with Buffy and Angel after a long debate.
Exhausted, Buffy climbed into one of the beds, soon in a deep sleep. Noting that dawn was approaching, Stefanie went to fussin with the blinds, while Angel spent the first few moments showering.
Stefanie soon gave up on her project with a sigh, going to sit on the other bed. She hugged her legs to her chest, head resting on her knees while she remained deep in thought. Then, as if in a trance, she stood and walked to the door. She had no plan of what to do, where to go, but she found herself outside Rhys' door, knocking lightly. He opened it seconds later, surprised to see her.
They both stood there for a long moment, then Stefanie asked, "Can I come in?"
Rhys paused, then opened the door all the way, arm held out in a gesture of welcome. He watched her enter, then automatically went to shut the curtains. "What can I do for you?" he asked, turning to look at her.
She bit her lip, feeling like a shy naive teenager instead of an experienced thirty-something vampire. Building up her courage, she replied, "You could tell me how you feel towards me. That would make it easier."
Rhys had suspected that she had feelings for him, but it was another thing entirely to hear her imply it. He took a step forward. "I think you're a very special girl, Stefanie," he started. "But..."
"But you aren't attracted to me," Stefanie finished, tears rising to her blue eyes. "I suspected as much." She half turned away in a feeble attempt to hide her sad expression, but Rhys naturally caught onto it anyway.
He was at her side in a second, touching her face and watching as she gazed back at him. In that moment, something just clicked into place. Overwhelmed by a flood of emotion, Rhys leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips.
Stefanie put one hand to the nape of his neck, pulling him closer for a deeper and more passionate kiss. Once started, it seemed impossible for either of them to let go, but they finally managed to.
In those few moments, everything changed and yet still remained the same between Stefanie and Rhys, only this time, the knowledge hurt both of them...
Author's Note: I don't know if the casino, High Rollers, actually exists, as I too have never been to Las Vegas. Just in case it does, I claim no rights to it. Stefanie stayed with Rhys the entire day. Both of them managed to set their feelings aside while she tutored him on how to injure and kill a vampire (crosses, garlic, holy water, and a stake through the heart would do the trick) and even gave him a few lessons of martial arts should he need it.
The day passed much too quickly, Stefanie thought. She found herself wishing that they could stay hidden here forever, just the two of them, for all eternity. But reality had a cruel way of intruding.
Buffy came to get Stefanie and Rhys as soon as the sun had set, informing them that it was time to move. With a sigh, Stefanie gathered her things and followed her friends out to the car.
The first thing Stefanie noticed was the two Slayerettes weren't with them, and she questioned Buffy on this.
Buffy smiled. "Xander and Willow were anxious to get to Vegas, so they left early. I didn't see any reason for them to be stuck with us while we do our thing, so..."
"Well, I hope they're having a good time," Stefanie said, thinking a moment. "How old is Xander, anyway?"
Buffy laughed, watching as Angel loaded the suitcases in her car. "Just hit the big twenty-one not too long ago. I hope he's not broke by now."
The two girls quickly got into the car, and the ride down was mostly spent in silence. But they were eventually strolling down the sidewalk outside the many casinos. After a while, Angel sensed Xander and Willow inside one called High Rollers, a combination casino/hotel, and led his friends inside.
Buffy found her two pals standing at a roulette table and stood by a moment to see how Xander was doing. Much to her shock, he was winning pretty well. But, deciding he shouldn't be pushing his luck, she stepped forward to intervene.
"Ready to quit?" Buffy said to Xander, breaking his focus. Startled, he looked at her, then shook his head.
"I'm on a roll," he protested, ready to place his next bet when Buffy grabbed him by one ear and hauled him away. Willow gathered up his winnings and followed all too eagerly. "Ow!" Xander complained. "Let go, Buffy."
She refused to until they were on an elevator and the doors had shut behind them. "Someone had to save you from yourself," she offered by way of explanation. "Another hour and you may have lost all your cash."
Xander smirked. "Ah, but I would have had fun losing it," he cracked. "That's what we're here for, is to have fun, remember?"
"Can be done without gambling," Buffy retorted. "There's plenty of other stuff to do around here... Take in a show. Eat at a fancy restaurant or something. Just expand your horizons, Xander." She paused, stepping from the elevator with her friends right on her heels.
Noticing that Angel was signalling her from across the lobby, Buffy excused herself from Willow and Xander and went to him. "What's up?" she asked her boyfriend.
Angel handed her two pass keys. "I got us some new rooms for tomorrow. One of them goes to Willow and Xander, so be sure to give this to them."
Buffy gazed up at him in confusion. "What about you? Where are you going?"
"Hunting," Angel whispered. "Rhys' crow... It's spotted Thierry."
Buffy's eyes widened. "This soon? Where?" she asked.
"A few miles outside town," Angel replied. "In the woods... I don't know how long he'll stay there, so Steffi, Rhys, and I are heading out right now. Think you can keep yourself entertained until I get back?"
Buffy smiled slightly. "I'll be fine," she assured him. "You just go... And stay safe, Angel..."
Taking Buffy's advice, Xander and Willow moved into their room, then decided to do some sightseeing. They started by watching a magic show in the hotel's theater, then ate at a fancy seafood restaurant.
After this, the young couple went to touring the boardwalk, looking for something exciting and dazzled by all the bright lights. And while they strolled, Willow managed to strike up a conversation.
"This place is like a dream," she said, a wistful look in her eyes. "I'm glad Buffy suggested coming here. How about you?"
Xander looked at her with a killer smile. "Any place is like a dream as long as you're there," he said, turning on the charm. "And right now, the city is ours for at least one night. How shall we spend it, my lovely Willow?"
She looked around, her gaze coming to focus on a neon sign a few feet ahead of them. Slowly, a smile spread across her face, making Xander look to see what had caught her attention.
The two of them glanced at the sign, then at each other. And, in a mixture of shrugs and smiles, Xander and Willow ducked inside the building...
If there was one thing Thierry was known for, it was that he was a loner. It wasn't often that he hunted with a pack; in fact, the last time he had done that had been the day Rhys and his family had been killed.
As he lay on a huge boulder in a clearing, a lifeless female hitchhiker strewn across his lap, Thierry oddly found himself recalling that day. He would often remember his participants in that feast, but that was all. Until now.
Thierry had frequently meant to look up those two over the years, but never got around to it. He briefly wondered where Darla and Angelus were nowadays, whether or not they were still together, then dismissed the thought, realizing he didn't much care.
Thierry looked at the dead girl in his arms, then moved to cast her aside. He got to his feet, jumping off the boulder, and leaving her there for someone to find. He hadn't made it far when he became aware someone was leaning against a nearby tree ahead of him. He stopped, growling at the stranger, when he realized who it was.
Thierry softened slightly, surprised. "Angelus?" he asked, taking a step forward. "What are you doing here?"
"It's Angel," the other vampire replied sharply. "I don't go by that name anymore... And I heard a rumor that you could be found around here."
"Why would..." Thierry started, then became aware that someone else had dropped from the trees behind him. He turned, instinctively slicing the girl's face with his claws.
She, in turn, threw a punch at him, her fist connecting roughly with his jaw. Thierry took two steps back, dazed and astonished at how strong she was. Before he could regain his senses, Angel grabbed him from behind, restraining him.
"News flash, Thierry," Angel mocked. "I'm reformed, Darla's dead, and you're going to be next."
Thierry exchanged glares with the young woman he was facing, noting that she didn't seem at all concerned with the way the blood trickled down her face. "Who's she then? Your new girlfriend?" he asked bitterly.
Stefanie wiped at her face with her sleeve, aware that her wounds were healing already. "Boy, when you said he was detached, you were right," she said to Angel. To Thierry, she added, "Say hello to the first and only vampire slayer you'll ever meet... Now, come on, Angel. Rhys is waiting."
With a wicked smile, Angel followed her, pushing Thierry ahead of him all the way and ignoring the younger vampire's questions. It was a long tiresome walk for Angel and Stefanie, and they were grateful when they were given a reprieve.
Angel shoved Thierry to the ground inches from Rhys, and he and Stefanie took strategic positions to prevent the redhead vampire from escaping, their vampire faces on. Rhys stood there a moment just staring at Thierry. Then, with a flick of his wirst, a stake dropped from the sleeve of his jacket into his hand.
Thierry looked up at the man before him, failing to recognize him. But he did understand that the wooden stake meant trouble. Panicked, Thierry started to get up to run, but Stefanie stepped closer and delivered a sharp kick to his face, causing him to fall over onto his back.
Thierry knew it was over when he felt Stefanie's foot pressed to his collarbone, pinning him down. She looked over at Rhys a second later in expectation. "Your move," she said simply.
Rhys gave her a slight smile, then focused on Thierry. "You don't recognize me, do you? Well, let me refresh your memory, Thierry. A little over eighty years ago, you and two other vampires laid siege to a happy little family in England, left no survivors. Ring any bells?"
Slowly, recognition came to Thierry's eyes. "But, Angel killed you!" he cried. "I saw it! You can't be here!"
"Sorry to disappoint, Thierry... Let him up," Rhys said, appreciating Stefanie's help but knowing this could be finished without such precautions.
Stefanie hesitated, then did so, watching as Thierry scrambled to his feet and made a run for it. With clear precision, Rhys lifted the stake, throwing it straight at the retreating vampire.
Thierry was a pile of dust before he knew it, and Rhys looked on with mild satisfaction. At least one killer had been brought to justice at his hands. And with Darla already dead, there was only one other to deal with.
Rhys looked over at Angel, staring at the familar demonic face that had been seared into his memory so many years ago. "Don't worry any longer that I'll be a threat to your existence," he told Angel. "In fact, I take some comfort in the fact that you destroyed my son's murderer. And that the demon that once owned you has been repressed... You truly lead a good life now, Angel, and I'll leave you to continue it with the woman you love and your baby."
"Thank you," Angel said, shifting back to his human guise and casting a glance at Stefanie in expectation.
She did the same, then said, "You go on back to town, Angel. I'll be along shortly."
Angel nodded, disappearing into the woods. And Stefanie ran to Rhys a second later, embracing him and never wanting to let him go. Oh, if only she could.
Rhys felt the same way, but he saw the crow perched on a tree stump a few yards away, watching with disapproval, it seemed. It took everything he had to pull back, and a whole lot more to meet her eyes.
"I have to go now," he said gently.
Stefanie had never felt more sad than she did at those words, for she knew she would never see him again. Where he was going, she, as an immortal, could never follow. Even if she died now, there was no guarantee that heaven would take her, and it broke her heart.
"I know," she whispered, trying not to cry. But it was a feeble attempt, and they spilled forth anyway. "Rhys, I can't lose you!" she moaned. "Why can't you stay? I could make you like me, and we'd never be apart then."
"I'd never be happy that way," he replied. "The whole point of this was to be able to see Lysette and my family again. They're waiting on the other side for me."
She looked down briefly, knowing what he said was true. "They need you more than I do," she whispered.
He nodded, feeling a lump in his throat, and began to wipe the tears and traces of blood from Stefanie's face with both hands. Then, in a burst of inspiration, he placed his palms over her face lightly.
Stefanie gasped at the flood of memories that were placed in her mind. In a matter of moments, Rhys had given her visions of his entire life, from a young boy to the man he was now. It wasn't nearly as good as spending a lifetime with him, but it would have to do.
With that, Rhys moved one hand to her chest, resting it over her silent heart. As long as you hold me here," he said, "I'll always be with you, Stefanie... Never forget me, until the day we meet again."
"But how..." she started, just as he quieted her with a sweet poignant kiss.
"I've had a lot of time to glean some words of wisdom while I was in limbo," Rhys told her. "Among them is this... If the love between two people is strong enough, it can transcend anything, even death." With that, Rhys cupped her face in his hands, kissing her forehead. "Goodbye, my darling Stefanie."
Stefanie smiled sadly as she watched him walk away, her hand playing with a gold chain at her neck. She stood there for the longest time, watching him vanish into the darkness. But it wasn't until the crow took flight after him that she finally turned away...
All that was left for Buffy to do was to wait for one or more of her friends to get back from wherever they were. She passed the time by watching a boring foreign movie on TV, at least until there was a knock at the door.
Much to her surprise, it was Xander and Willow, both looking giddy and elated as they entered. "Guess where we've been," Willow said, trying to contain her excitement.
Buffy remained silent a moment, confused by their behavior. "I give up. Why are you two so cheerful?"
"Because in less than two hours, we'll be newlyweds," Xander stated. "Willow and I have decided to get married!"
Buffy laughed, moving to hug them. "Oh, my God!" she exclaimed. "Congratulations! I figured you two would get married someday, but... Can't wait for a traditional ceremony, huh?"
Xander shrugged. "Well, when you're in love, you're in love," he said, gazing at Willow a few moments. "Speaking of which, we want you and Angel to be there, to stand up for us. And maybe afterwards, you two could also tie the knot."
Buffy shook her head in disbelief. "We will be there, but Angel and I are perfectly happy without making it official," she said. "As long as we know we have each other, it's enough... Well, that and it would cause too much riff in the vampire world if word got out we were married."
The trio continued the conversation for a few moments more, until Angel and Stefanie entered, her face mostly hidden from view against his chest to hide the remaining streaks of blood. Buffy didn't say a word as Stefanie collapsed in her arms, crying on her shoulder. She just exchanged looks with Angel, knowing it was over.
After a long while, Stefanie pulled back, wiping at her eyes. Seeing the spots of blood on her friend's sweater and skin, Buffy silently led her into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
"Care to talk about it," Buffy asked when they were alone, cleaning Stefanie's face with a washcloth.
Stefanie gave a slight sob. "How do you get by a broken heart?" she asked.
Buffy bit her lip. "You've come to the expert on tragic romances. I've had more than my share since I moved to Sunnydale... You've just got to take it one day at a time. It gets easier."
Stefanie pulled off her sweater, wrapping a towel around herself. "Will you help me?" she asked in a small voice.
Buffy smiled. "Of course," she promised. "I will always be there for as long as you need me, Stefanie."
With that, the two girls hugged each other, knowing that through all the hardships and the battles they were destined to fight, their friendship would be one of the main things to keep them going. Being aware of that was enough...